New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has officially been ruled out of the upcoming T20I tri-series and two-Test tour of Zimbabwe, sidelined with a significant groin injury sustained during the Major League Cricket (MLC) final in Dallas.
Phillips, aged 28, was originally part of New Zealand’s squad arriving in Zimbabwe to face South Africa and the host nation in the tri-nation format. Upon arrival, assessments confirmed he would require “a number of weeks” to rehabilitate and recover, ruling him out of both the T20I tri-series and the two-Test series against Zimbabwe later in July and August.
Impact on the Black Caps
Phillips’ absence represents a significant setback for the New Zealand team—nicknamed the Black Caps—given his exceptional capabilities with both bat and ball. The team is already coping with another key player being sidelined: batter Finn Allen, out with a foot injury also sustained during the MLC season.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment:
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone of Glenn’s calibre. Much like Finn, we really feel for Glenn that he misses out on this series. We know he was eager to get out on the field for the Black Caps and unfortunately, he won’t be able to do that for this series… We know he’ll work hard to get himself back onto the park, and I look forward to when that happens.”.
Squad Adjustments
With Phillips unavailable, Tim Robinson, who had joined the squad as temporary cover for players involved in the MLC final, will remain with the team for the duration of the tri-series. Robinson notably played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s opening tri-series victory over South Africa in Harare—scoring an unbeaten 75 and earning Player of the Match honors in a successful chase.
Meanwhile, replacements for the Test squad are yet to be announced, though current squad members include players such as Ajaz Patel, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, and Henry Nicholls.
Tour Overview & Timelines
- The T20I tri-series—featuring New Zealand, South Africa, and Zimbabwe—is underway at Harare Sports Club from 14 to 26 July 2025.
- Later in the season, a two-Test series will be played between 30 July and 11 August 2025, beginning in Bulawayo .
Phillips is expected to return to New Zealand along with fellow injury cover players Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Hay.
What’s at Stake
Phillips’ injury removes a dynamic all-round option from New Zealand’s line-up at a critical point. His absence deprives the team of both batting firepower and overs flexibility—a challenge compounded by Allen’s similar withdrawal.
Robinson’s unexpected opportunity could be a silver lining, but New Zealand will need to find further reinforcements for the Test matches, particularly in the bowling and power-hitting departments.
Looking Ahead
New Zealand remain in strong shape with experienced names still in the squad. However, with the tri-series and tests forming a key part of their mid-year international schedule—and Richards and competitors breathing down their necks—the team must adapt rapidly.
In summary:
- Glenn Phillips is ruled out of both the Zimbabwe tri-series (T20Is) and Test series due to a groin injury suffered during the MLC final.
- Tim Robinson will remain as cover in the T20Is; Test replacements yet to be named.
- New Zealand will lean on their remaining experienced core to compete without two pivotal players.